Ghana to Acquire New Presidential Aircraft by November – Callistus Mahama 

Ghana to Acquire New Presidential Aircraft by November – Callistus Mahama 

Callistus Mahama, the Executive Secretary to President John Mahama, has announced that Ghana is set to acquire additional aircraft for presidential travel by November 2026. This move is part of efforts to bolster the country’s state aviation capacity and ensure the nation’s reliance on its own assets for official travels.

The announcement comes amid public scrutiny over the use of an aircraft owned by the President’s brother for international trips. The arrangement has sparked concerns about the potential perception of a conflict of interest. In response, Mahama clarified that these current arrangements are temporary and driven by the operational limitations of Ghana’s existing presidential aircraft fleet.

Mahama explained that some of the aircraft previously used for presidential travel were not designed for long-haul diplomatic missions. Additionally, technical and operational constraints have made certain international journeys difficult. As a result, plans are already in motion to expand the fleet to better accommodate the President’s travel needs.

“By November this year, Ghana will have additional aircraft within the presidential fleet, including one specifically designated for the President’s travel,” Mahama said. Once these new aircraft are fully operational, the country will no longer need to rely on temporary arrangements, ensuring a more efficient and reliable mode of transport for the Head of State.

He also addressed the broader context of presidential travel, emphasizing that it involves complex logistics, including security protocols, diplomatic considerations, and communication systems, all while ensuring the President remains fully functional during official trips abroad.

Mahama acknowledged the public’s right to question travel arrangements that might seem out of the ordinary, stressing that the administration is committed to restoring public trust through President Mahama’s “Reset Agenda.” This initiative focuses on improving institutional capacity and promoting responsible governance.

The planned acquisition of additional aircraft is part of a wider strategy to modernize and re-equip the Ghana

Armed Forces. Mahama expressed confidence that with the new aircraft in place, the country will have a more stable and self-reliant system for presidential travel.

Story:Efua Nessa

Source : Locotvgh.com